Get to Know the Research Process
Use the process displayed here to understand the different steps to doing research. This process is cyclical, and you will need to be comfortable with continually asking questions, finding information and reading/analyzing what you find.
Courtesy of Michelle Luhtala, New Canaan High School
Lost on where to start?
Check out these great research strategies from the University of Colorado Libraries
Research Databases
In order to find high quality, reliable academic sources for your research, you will need to use subscription research databases.
Ebsco Host Databases
Username: lhstiger
Password: [email protected]!
How-to Video
Ebsco Host gives students access to ebooks, articles, podcasts, and other media from reputable sources. Access is provided by Lakewood High School for staff and students.
JSTOR Academic Database
Click on the logo to get to the password-protected page that will give you access.
(You will need to be signed into a Jeffco Google account to open it.)
How-to Video
JSTOR is a database that links students to articles from a higher level of scholarship and is widely used by universities around the country. Access is provided by Lakewood High School for staff and students.
Jeffco Public Library Database Access
Use your library card to get access to many more databases. Gale "In Context" databases are especially recommended.
How-to Video
Need a library card? CLICK HERE to sign up for one!
Other Resources
There are other web-based tools that will help you find good academic sources and are free to use.
Prospector Colorado Library Service
Search Prospector for books from libraries all over Colorado, including university libraries. You can request materials to be sent to your local JCPL library branch.
How-to Video
Google Scholar
Use Google Scholar to find more scholarly articles than a regular Google search will discover.
*Sometimes free access to full text articles is available, but for access to other articles you will have to make note of the title/author and then find the article in a paid subscription database like Ebsco or JSTOR.
Library of Congress Digitized Collections
Search the Library of Congress collections to find primary source documents, photos, videos and more.
Citing Sources
It is your legal responsibility to cite your sources when submitting assignments. The links listed below, along with your librarians, are here to assist you.
Each style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) is different! Be sure to double-check the citations from any auto-generating citation maker.
Confused about how to avoid plagiarism? Take a look at this.
(Courtesy of http://www.katehart.net/2012/06/citing-sources-quick-and-graphic-guide.html)
EasyBib
Login with your Jeffco Google account to create your bibliography or works cited page. MLA only!
Citation Machine
Create your bibliography or works cited page in MLA, APA or Chicago format
Cite This For Me
Citation and reference list builder
Citation Builder
Helps create your bibliography or works cited page
Owl Purdue
How to format using MLA, APA or Chicago
Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill - Why We Cite
Tutorial on how to cite and why we cite...APA, MLA or Chicago